THE DOCTRINE WHIch we shal entreate in this place , is playne ynough and easie , sauyng that the greatest parte of those that professe them selues to be Christians , do seke out and bring , I can not tell what subtelties to cloke theyr euill withall . But the summe of this wholle doctrine is , that after we knowe the liuing god to be our father , and Iesus Christ our redemer , we oght to consecrate bothe body and soule vnto hym , who of his infinite goodnes hath taken vs into the numbre of hys sonnes : and to acknowledg with all kinde of beneuolence , honour , and obedience , that same benefit which our most deare sauiour did vouchsaffe to bestow on vs after he had bought it with so greate a price . And because we ar bound not only to renounce al infidelitie , but also to seperat our selues from al superstitions , which do aswell disagre with the true seruice of god the father , as the honor of his sonne our sauiour & which can by no meanes agre with the pure doctrine of the gospell & true confession of the faith , I sayde this doctrine of it selfe to be so easye , that only the practise and exercise thereof oght to remaine vnto vs , sauing that many men do seke certain deceitful shiftes , thorow which they wil not be ouercome in that thyng , the which is most chiefly condemned by gods owne mouth . This cause constraineth vs at this time to tary longer in the declaration of this matter , that euery man may know his own dutie , and deceaue not himselfe , thinking that he is escaped when he is couered , as the common saying is , vnder a wette sack . But for that there be many of this opinion , whose churches ar thorowly purged from the filthines , & idolatries of the papisme , that this argument or treatice is but superfluous , before we passe any further , it is not vnprofitable to declare such men most fouly to be deceiued . First when it is declared , how great an offence it is , for vs to be polluted & defiled with the idolatours , feininge oure selues to cleaue & consent to their impieties , we ar admonished to mourn for our former syns , & to aske of god forgeuenes of them with al humblenes , & in this thing to acknowledge the singuler benefite which he gaue vnto vs , drawing vs forth of that same filth wherin we were holden down & drowned . For we truly are not hable to set forth this so great a benefit wortheli inough . And for that we know not what shall happen vnto vs , and to what end God doth reserue vs , it is very expedient to be prepared and armed in tyme , that into what state soeuer we shal come , or with what soeuer temtations we maye be oppugned , we neuer swarue from the pure worde of god . Fyrst it may be that many of thys oure churche and congregation , shall trayueil into some papistical countrey , who oght greatly nowe to be in a readines & armed to batel . Then albeit God doeth geue vs at this time liberty to serue him purely and godlilye , yet we knowe not how long this our benefite shal continue . Let vs therfore take this time of our quietnes and tranquillitie , not as thogh it shal alwaies last , but as it wer a time of truce , wherein god doth geue vs leasure to strengthen our selues , lest when we shal be called to vtter the confession of our faith , we be found new and vnprepared because we contemned the meditacion of that matter in due time . Nether truly ought we to forget in the mean while our brethren which are kepte vnder the tyranny of Antichrist , oppressed wyth most miserable bondage , but to take , remembrance , pitie ouer them , and to prai god to strengthen them with that constancie , which he requireth in his word . We muste also admonishe and solicite them by al wayes , not to rest in places where men are fast on slepe in their voluptuousnesse , but to applie diligently this thought , and wyl , that thei confesse the glorie due vnto god . For we are not taught of god onely for our selues , but that euery man after the measure of his faith , shuld brotherly communicat with his neighbors , and distribute vnto them that thing he hath learned and knowen in gods schole . Nowe se we then that it is profitable , yea truly necessary so well to our selues , as to our brethren , that the remembrance of this doctrine shulde be renued very oft , especiallye seyng the text it selfe which we shal expound , doth leade vs to the same purpose . Dauid doth openly protest , and as it wer doth make a solemne vow , that he wil neuer be partaker in the sacrifices of Idolaters , and also that he wyll so detest , and greuously hate the idols that he wyl not at anye time once name them , as though he shuld defile his mouth in naming them .

This is not the fact of som one man but the example of Dauid the most excellent kinge and prophet which oght to be vnto al gods children a certain comon rule to ryght and godly life . And to th entent we may the better perceaue this thyng and more vehemently be moued with , the true fear of god the cause is to be noted which he addeth wherein truly resteth as it were a certain foundation of that same alienation and offence wherby he doth most greatly abhorre the communion of idolatours . The lorde , saieth he is myne enheritaunce . But is not , this thing comon to all faithful and godlye men . There is no man truly whych wold not glorie in so excellent a thyng . And this is sure without al doubt , that god being once geuen vnto vs in the person of his sonne , doth dayly entise vs to possess him . But ther be veray fewe which ar so affected in this part , as the greatnes and worthines of this same mater shuld seme to aske and deserue . Nether truly can we by any meanes possess god , onles on this condition that we also be come hys . Dauid therfore of good right and worthely did set the foundation of hys godlynes , and religion in this sentence and reason seing that god is his enheritaunce , he wil refrain from all pollutions of idoles which do turne vs , from God hymselfe . This is the cause why the prophet Esay , when he had vpbraided the iewes that they had geuen themselues to fals and strange goddes , whom they had made , added afterwarde , theis , saith he , ar thy portion signifieng by these words , that god doth deny to the worshippers of idoles all bond & felowshyppe of couenante and disenheryteth them , and vtterly depriueth them , of that so infinitly great benefite , whiche he wold haue bestowed on them , geuing him selfe vnto them . Som man will except and sai that the prophet entreateth in that place only of them which put , their affiance in idoles , and deceaueth them selues thorow opinion and incredulitie . I graunt but this also I answar yf they that do transferre gods honour : vnto idoles , are vtterly separated and cut of from his felowship , they also doe are and decline some what from him , which doe feine them selues to consent to supersticions thorow feare and weakenesse of mynde .

For no man can in heart or any conformable fashion or in wyll , and in purpose of minde , or faining , or by any true or fained waye approch to idols , but he must so far go back from god . Wherefore let this sentence be thorowly persuaded and remaine depely printed in our heartes , that thei which seke god with a tru and pure minde , to the ende to possesse him for their enheritance , wyll haue no communion and felowship with idoles , with whome god hath that diuorce and debate , that he wold haue al his to proclaim and make continuall and deadlye war vpon them . And in this place Dauid by name doth expresse , that he wyll neuer be partaker of their oblations , nether haue theyr names in his mouth and talking . He might haue said on this wise , I wil not deceyue my self with vnwise and folishe deuocions of the vnbeleuers , I will not put my trust in suche abuses , nor I wil neuer forsake goddes truth , to folow these lies , but he speaketh not on this maner , but doth rather promise constantly , that he wyll neuer be conuersant among theyr ceremonies . Therfore he doth testifie so far furth as concerneth the seruice of god , he will abide continually in al puritie and holynes both of bodye and soule . And first in this place we muste consider , whether this be not idolatrie to signifie and declare by outward tokens , our agrement with those supersticions , wherwith the seruice of god is corrupted & vtterly peruerted . Thei that swim ( as the common saying ) betwixt two waters , allege this saiyng , seing that god wold be honored in spirit , idols can by no meanes be honored vnles a man put his trust in them . But to this may be easly answered , that god doth not so require the spiritual seruice & adoration of the minde , that he granteth and remitteth the other part of our nature vnto idols , as though that part shuld seme nothing at al to belong vnto him . For it is said in many places , that the knees must be bowed before god & also the hands lifted vp to heauen . What then ? surely the chief honor that god requireth is spiritual but the outward signification wherbey the faithful do testifie that it is god only whom thei serue and honour , must so immediatly folow , that thei must at one time be ioined together But one place shal so suffice for al , to confute that obiection which thei snatch of one word , that thei shal be plainly rebuked & conuict . In the .iii. chap. of Daniel it is written that Sidrach , Misach & Abdenego , refused & denied vnder any maner of colour , to consent vnto the superstition set vp & erected by Nabuchodonosor , declaring that thei wold in no wise honor his gods . If these goodly wittie sophisters had bene there at that time , wold haue laught to scorne the simplicitie of these thre seruants of god . For I suppose thei wold haue taunted them with such like words , you folish men , this truly is not to honor them , seing you put no affiance in these thynges . There is no idolatrie but where there is deuocion , that is to say , a certain bending & application of the minde to honour and worshippe the idoles . But these godly men did folowe a better & wiser counsell , for this answer which thei made , proceded not of their owne wit , but rather of the holy gost , which moued them thus to speake , whom if we wil not resist , we must accept this place & this example , as a certen rule & definicion , that idolatry is an outward action against gods honor , yea although it procede not from the wil and purpose of the mind , but be only colourable and feined . In which matter thei make goodly cauilations that ther is no idolatrie at all when as our affiance is not put in idols . Yet shal these men continually remaine condemned by the sentence which the mightiest iudge hath pronounce . But these men do contend only for the name , only going about somdeal to lesson their faute , which thei can by no meanes defend or excuse . Yea , thei wil grant that this thing is euil done & not rightly , yet notwithstanding thei wolde haue this fact to be iudged as a certeine veninal syn . But althogh we grant them as touching the name that thing thei aske yet thei shal not get so much therby that thei mai make their cause much the better . Let vs sai thus , that such maner of feined worshipping of idols , is not called idolatry , yet neuertheles it shal be a traiterous enterprise against god , a certain fact repugnant to the confession of faith , & a foul filthy polution most ful of wicked sacrilege . I pray you when the most sacred seruice & honor of god is so violated that we falsly break the promise we made to him , that thorowe cowardise & faintnes of stomack we denie croeedly & fasly our christian profession , that we becom inconstant and double , that we defyle our selues foulye with those thinges , which god hath cursed with all kinde of malediction : is this so light a matter that after we haue done it , we oght onely to wipe oure mouth , and confesse that we haue committed a certaine small fault ? Let vs therfore put away these shiftes , specially seing they serue for no nother thinge , but to make vs boulder , and to geue vs greater , libertie to sinne , and doth nothing , at al diminish our fault ? Ther be also other more impudent , whiche do not only , chaunging the name go about to persuade that it is not so great and vnworthy a sinne : but do plainly & precisely deny it to be sinne . It is sufficient saye they that god be honoured with hart and , minde . Euen so trulye if the hart it selfe were not dowble . For when the minde is truely sounde and pure the bodye shall neuer be drawen into a contrary part . I wold know of them what that is that moueth & leadeth their fete to the temple . For when thei go to here mas , their legges wil neuer be stirred of theyr owne motion , but must nedes be moued bi the inward power of the mind : Then must thei nedes confes that ther is in them selues a certain desir & motion , of minde wher of thei be caried to worship idoles , & chefely because they couet to apply them selues after their wil and opinion , which are enemies to the truth yea and do so conforme them selues to , please them , that they do muche more esteme ther fauour and ther owne lif then gods honour and glorye . Besides thys , their impudencye is so manifest & shamful , that i am ashamed to disput against it , as though it had some colour or lyknesse of reason , yet I must nedes do it , seyng they do please them selues so greatly , and are , as it were men dronken in their owne opiniones and pleasures , fallen fast on slepe . They thinke this is inogh to worship god in sprit , whos then shall the body be ? Truli . S. Paull moueth vs to honour god , both in body and spirit , for they be his owne & belongeth to none other . God hath created the body , and shal it be leafull for vs therwith to serue & honoure the deuell as though he shold seem to be the author & maker , therof ? It wer better they wold professe them selues openly to be maniches and denye that god made the whole man . Yf they had neuer so litle tast of the gospel thei wold not burstout in to so licentious impudency . But now it is plain inough , that they in no wise know , what is the power and greatnes of this benefite , to be redemed with the bloud of gods sonne . And to proue this true , how can we lok for the resurrection of the fleshe excepte we beleue that Christe Iesus is the redemer both of bodyes and soules ? Corin. i. Saint Paul also doth admonish vs , not to be the seruantes of men , because we were bought & purchased with so great aprice which is the bloud of gods sonne . Then he that doth ioyn and addict him selfe to the wicked seruice of idoles , doth he not treade vnder his feete the moste sacred blood of Iesus Christ , wherin doth consist the price of the eternal and immortal glorie , which we loke for in our bodies ? What reason is it that our bodies shuld be defiled & profaned before idoles , seing the crown of eternall lyf is promised vnto them in heuen . This wallowinge in satans stews and moste filthye defilyng is it a mean and waye wher by we may come to the kingdom of god ? Moreouer it was not said without a great cause , our bodies ar the temples of the holi gost , therfore they which perceaue not , that they ought to be kept in all holines , doe plainly shew them selues to perceaue & vnderstand nothing at all of the gospel . also thei declare that thei know no whit at al what is the power of Iesus Christ and of his grace . For when it is said on this wise that we ar bone of his bones and fleshe of his flesh he oght to vnderstand that we be ioyned with him both in bodye and soull . Therefore no man can defile his owne bodye with any maner of superstition , but he doth separat himself , from that coniunction and vnton wherby we ar made the membres of the sonne of god . But now let these wity & subtile doctours answer me , whethere thei haue receaued baptisme onli in ther souls , or whether god hath commanded rather & instituted that this signe shuld be imprinted in our flesh . Shal the body then wherein the mark of Iesus Christ is printed , be polluted and defiled with so contrary , repugnaunt , and so wicked abominations ? Also the lordes supper , is it receaued in the mind only , and not also in the handes and mouth ? Hath god engrauen in oure bodyes the armes and badges of his sonne , that we afterward shuld pollut our selues with al vncleannes , with most foul spotes and shame , & so vnsemely deforme our selues that no kinde nor likenes of christian bewtie shuld apeare . It is not lawful in coyning one pece of gold to printe two contrarie coynes , nether to set two sealles the on repungnaunte to the other , vnto one writing : and shal a mortal man take vp on him to countrefete and corrupt baptisme , and the moste holye supper of Iesus Christ , and also behold to say that , ther is no euel in so great & mischeuous a fact ? Suche men truly ar worthy , that their seruauntes should perswade . And make them beleue , thei haue a great , pleasure , to do them seruice when notwithstanding , they geue them selues to slepe , pleasurs and al idlenes , and do not moue one finger to do any worke at all . Yf they say it is not alike reason , bycause we haue nede of their labour that be vnder vs : I answer although god haue no nede of vs , yet for that he wil vse oure labour , seruice , and obedience , to serue and honour him , truely it is to much vnsemely , and for vs the greatest shame & infamye , to do all thing other wise then he will , and cleane to be void of the studye and dutye which we owne vnto him yea our shame is so muche the greater , that the worme of the earth , and an vnliuing creature shall requiere more power ouer vs , and honour then his creatour . But yet we must talke with these beastes more plainly . They say it is leafull for them to fein and cloke what so , euer they will emong the papist , and to conforme them selues to that maner & fashion of religion , whiche is thought most apt to norish superstition . Who is he then that geueth them bread to be fed with all ther ? Who doth make the ground fertile to bring forth fruit ? If god do fede and norishe them in those places wher thei dwel as he doth al other men in the other partes of the earth , why do thei not honor the geuer of that benefite which that part of themself , which is so bountifully norished of him ? Why do they rather obey and serue the deuil with their bodies ? If these men wer in any part of christians , I wolde vse with them more waighty and higher reasons , & I wolde aske of them , to what end we liue in this world , and where vnto our life oghte to be referred . But O miserable case that they which with subtelties and shiftes wil daily with god , are so brutish , that thei must be handled , as men not only destitute of gods spirit , but in a maner void of natural common sence . Thei thinke this is a sufficient excuse to sai , thei do nothing in this kind , but for feare of peril & dauger , but yf this colour maye take place , then muste we saye that Ioseph shulde haue done no euill , yf he had committed whordome wyth hys maistres when it was violently offered him , seing he shuld not haue folowed hys owne wyll , but haue geuen place to necessitie and violence which she did vnto him . It shulde haue bene a folishe facte of him , to enter such peril and infamie , as afterward he suffered by the false accusation of that noughty woman , seyng he might haue escaped those euils yf he had accomplished her wil. But we oght rather to folow the example of Ioseph , and allowe the testimony of the holy gost , who doth commend his constancie . If there be no wickednes in taking vpon vs idoletrous religion when we do it to auoide the raging crueltie of the papists , the seruant shall not synne , who for his maisters pleasure , shal playe the bande , kyll , and play the traitour , for feare to displease him , vnder whose power he is . But I abide to longe in this matter , wherein ( as I said before ) there is no dout or difficultie . It shall not be far from the purpose to consider into how great confusion thei fal , which trauail with all their crafts to escape gods iudgement . Others ther be that haue found another shifte & sterting hole , thei grant , that the supersticion of the gentils is a wicked & detestable religion , but it is not al one reason of these & the supersticions which are in the papisme . As though all the false religion that euer was amonge the heithen , was not a corrupting & deprauation of the true religion of god . From whence did the heathen draw & tak to themselues their ceremonies but of the holy fathers ? In which doing this was their great faut , that thei depraued & vtterli peruerted those thigs which thei had receiued wel & wisely instituted of god . But yet al the abominacions that euer wer in the world haue ben cloked with a beutiful title of god himself , and the couerture of his religion . But those counterfeit religions had neuer that commendation , power & authoritie , that god did at any time approue those seruices & congregations , or the faithful men did vse & frequent them . Go to let vs procede further . Although I shuld grant the idolatrie of the papistes to be vnlike & differ from the superstition of the old gentiles , yet can thei not deny but god so ernestly did forbid the religion wickedly set vp in Bethel , as al other superstitions which wer instituted & celebrated in other places . When the calues wer erected in Dan and Bethel this was instituted & don vnder a certain colour of his name which had broghte his people of Egipt , yet that same religion which was ther apointed is manifestly against the doctrine of the law . God doth condemne al those that go thither to defile & polute themselues . And truly the supper of Iesus christ & the popish masse are no lesse repugnant & contrary the one to the other then the sacrifices of Moses & Ieroboam . From whence then is this dispensation & licence to go & here masse vnder this colour that the supper of Iesus christ is but transformed yea rather in dede deformed ? But I saie & affirm contrarie , that al thie that do fear god truly & honor him godly , ought so much the more to hate & detest it , for that it doth more openly violat and profane the holy institution of Iesus Christe , then yf it were not so repugnant and contrary vnto the same . Wherefore let vs kepe this common rule generally , that al the ordinance and inuencions of men proponed and taken in hand to corrupt the simple truth of gods word , & to peruert that religion whych he requireth & alloweth , ar very sacrileges with which the christian man mai in no wise comunicate , without that iniurie & contumelye , which treadeth vnder fete gods honor most wicked . I knowe wel inough how greuous & intollerable this seuere iudgement semeth to them , which wold after their own lust & delicat mind , be more nicelye & mekely spoken to and taught . Wherin what wold thei I shuld do ? What moderation & lenitie shuld I vse ? Truly now I perceyue how tender & deintie thei ar , I couet so much as mai be to spare them , but both I & thei muste be condemned so sone as god hath spoken : therfore if we wil tender our own saluacion , let vs take it in god part . Thei say thei find no man more seuere & sharpe then I am , but I wyll declare vnto them , on the other part , that I handle them more mekely and tenderlye , then the trueth of the cause , the worthynesse of goddes name , and theyr own saluacion did require . Which thing being so inded , truly they can not excuse and deliuer them selues from the necessitie of that dutie and testimonie , that the prophet Ieremie doth requier of the Iewes captiues in Babilon whom he not only forbiddeth to come neare the abhominacions of the Chaldeans , or colourably and feinedly to geue anye consent to them , but also doth geue a plain commaundement that thei shuld declare the wicked religion of the Chaldeans to be vnto them a most oft filthie sauor . You shal say to them ( saith the prophet Ieremy ) the Gods whiche haue not made heauen and earth shall perish both out from the earth , and also from vnder heauen . There is also in this place another circumstance to be marked , that when the prophet had written his boke in Hebrue yet he put in this sentence exprest in the common vulgar spech of the Chaldeans , as though he wold by this meanes constraine the Iewes , to change from their tong , to the end thei might more apartly professe the hatred & disagrement thei haue with the wicked idolaters . Now let our nice yonglinges complain of me as though mine aduertisement excedeth all measure , & yet I haue not any time desired the half part of the dutie which that prophet requireth and asketh so earnestly : but whatsoeuer be the maner other of my saiyng & moderation , or els of my silence & taturnitie , neuertheles we are tied & bound to that law which god doth geue vnto vs . And truli it is not without a cause that god speaking to his faithful saieth to the , you are my witnesses & my seruants whom I haue chosen . Wherfore whosoeuer wyl proue himselfe to be a membre of Iesus Christ oght by al meanes to declare , that the praise & honor of gods name doth so apertain to him , that thei which bi their faining do hide & buri the testimoni of his trueth , do leaue them selues inexcusable . What I prai you , is to be thoght of them that do al their life time subuert the same ? Of what sort are thei that do not only hide the profession of the christian religion , & sheweth no token therof before men , but also committeth many things , & those most contrari & vnsemely : this therfore resteth that gods children which liue wher the impurities & abominations remain , do morne after the example of that godly man Loth , & also speak so frely against so many & so great abominable vices of men , as god shal geue to them power & oportunitie . Let vs now com to shew certaine kinds of idolatries , which ar of most estimacion in these daies . Emong which sort the masse is chief , wherof I haue touched somthing before . For although it be so famous & notable blasphemy both in absurditie & greatnes of mischief that nothing can be imagined mor foul & wicked , yet stil be thei patrons found for an euil cause , which do trifle forth in this part . But wil thei nil thei , thei shal be compelled to confes this that I say , that the masse by it self is a deniall of Iesus christs death , & a certain sacrilege inuented & ordeined by satan to abolish the sacrament of the supper . Nether ar they able to deny but that the inuocation of saints , & suffrages for the dead , are wicked abuses , wherby the inuocation of gods name , a thing of al other most holi is profaned & they who among the papistes do defile them selues with these abhominations do think themselues gilty of no faute . What shuld we do sai thei ? It is not lawful for vs to correct & amend those things , which we know euil & fautie , we are priuate men and thei that haue the power & publike autoritie do ernestly defend these things Therfore we must suffer that violent necessitie . I graunt all this to be true . But I saye this is not to the purpose . It belongeth not to their office to correct and appoint a common ordre for the people , nether doth any man requier this at ther hand , yet neuerthelesse they ar admonished to amed them selues , & to institute an honest and manerly behauour of priuat lyfe , which thing whitout all doubt pertaineth to their duitie . Nether do we commaund them to clense the temples and the common streates , but that eueri man kepe his owne bodye and hart in puritie and holynes , and labour by all meanes that god may be honored , serued and obeied , in his owne house . For these are fare vnlyke and much dissonaunt to abolishe the masse in any region , and not to be present at it , when as the vse therof and that religion can by no other meanes be letted but they repete and iterate their saing , that is , that thei do not deny the death and passion of Iesus Christ seing , they haue no suche purpose , to worship it in their minde . But I do aske of them , what is that a Christen man doth confesse with his mouth , but that same that he beleueth in hys harte ? Thys is plain and , manifest inough , that this thing which they do , is most disagreing with the confession of faith . So that , as much as in them lieth , they do not only hyde the true and propre testimonye of faith but also doe vtterly denye and forsake it . I will yet talke with them somthing more familiarly and plainly . For the Papistes doe saye the masse is a sacrifice wherin thei wil offer Iesus christ to reconcile them selues to god . But if this be so , it foloweth that Iesus Christ hath not optained vnto vs by his death righteousnes and eternal saluation . Let them seke al the , compases and shyftes they will , yet must they come here vnto that all whiche go to masse , vnder the name of deuotion & religion , do professe that they consent ther with . Therfor as much truly as in them lieth they shewe that they haue not their redemption perfect inogh by the death of Iesus Christ . Ther be many that speake not so largely , nether suffer their talke , to wandre thorowout all sortes of masses , that is to saye , sacrileges . They chose out one kinde of masses only & that thei defend : it is called the parish masse , or the high masse , for in this thei think ther is more likenes & agreing with the supper of Iesus Christ . And truly it might be said more aptly , that al masses which ar said both of the priests of the lowest degre , & also of the canons , or of those priests that haue certen chappels , & all other which are founded by any mans wil or that are so saleable that thei be set forth dayly to sale , that all these I say are not vnlike to harlots which in the stewes setting them selues to sale without all shame & honestie do make their bodies common to al men , but the high mass to be veri like the same harlot which doeth craftely abuse the honest name of an husband to hide her vnshamefastnes , & to reteyn & defend the estimacion of an honest & chast wife . Although this similitude doth not agre on euery parte , because that an harlot ioined in matrimony to an husband wil haue some shamfastnes & modestie , that she will not set forth & make herself common to al that commeth : but the parish or high mass is an worish idolatry of al other most common , ready & set forth to al mens desires and wycked lustes : although these filthye bawdes , do colour and smoth here with thys colour and suche bewty , that they retaine stil some relikes of Iesus Christes supper . It is with this as with the thefe who braggeth and bosteth himself then more highly and , gloriouslye , when he hath wonne and is clothed with the spoiles of him whom he hath slaine & whose horse he rideth on . We , saie they , seke the supper of Iesus Christe , and when we can not being opprest vnder that tyrannie , wher in we dwell , haue the same pure , we must be content with that which is left to vs , loking for the helping hand of God . For such a goodly and pretie excuse . By cause they haue no , right and perfect vse , of the supper , as though thei had gotten a prouison , they witness and openly profess that they haue not Iesus Christe the eternall and only preste and therfore euerie weke do seke a new sacrifice , to put away their sinnes . For all this is in the high masse , as wel as in that which is saide in the name of Nicholas or for the dead . In which thing they fein them selues to worshipe an idole , & yet do boste that thei seke Iesus Christ : and because they wold not seme to fight against god without swerd or buckler , thei bring & obiect the authoritie of this or that man , as though the absolution of any one manne may exempt and deliuer them that they be not condemned of god . I wil not saie that thei lye greuouslye , when thei alege such men as thei do for the defence of their cause . But in case it wer so that a deuout and godly man , wer somtime of this minde , that he thought it was nothing euel to come to the high masse , yet afterward when he knoweth the truth , yf he doth disalowe and condemne his former iudgement , his latter is so muche the more to be beleued , for that God hathe brought him , or rather compelled him to disalowe the same , & because he perceueth & plainly knoweth that he is ouercome in that thing which he before did greatlye embrace & alowe . But what nede we herin to stirre the truth , as yf we shuld bloundre and trouble a water that is pure and clear . Do they think that with the iudgment and sainge of a mortall man they maye stop god and hedge him in ? We knowe that ther is nothing besides the truth that in iudgment oght to preuaill without the respect of any person this matter is such that the parish or high mass is instituted to sacrifice Iesus Christe , & to reconcile the fauour of god both for quick & dead , and also that a pece of bred shuld be ther worshipped as though it were the sonne of god I do not examine thorowli al the abominations and wickednes , that are in that mass for they be almost innumerable . But I do reherse only the worse & grosser . Now let them that do but feine a consent with suche wickednes and corruptions , washe their hands so clean as they will , yet shall they neuer be more iust and innocent then Pilate . But this is a meruail that this good & religiouse parishioners at easter time do seke some by chappel , or some mockchristian monk , whiche maye prepare and deliuer vnto them the apish and countrefet supper . Yf the high mass is most nearest the supper of Iesus Christ , as they say it is , why do they not obserue & kepe it ? But how after that they haue , bene at the highe mass euery sonday thorow the year , because they wold seme to communicat in the sacrament of the supper a right , thei sodenly shake of and forsake the high mast But we shuld no meruaill at such inconstant they saye , for this is a sure & due punishment , for them which haue layd no foundation at ani tim of truth in ther mindes , that they shuld alwaies wauer and be contraie to them selues in al things they do and take in hand . As touching that same hypocriticall supper , I know that they be of this minde , that thei suppose it to be the greatest iniurys to the selues that may be when it is rebuked & improued . But what can we do in that matter seinge it is nothinge agreable to Christes rule ? Nether do I finde fault with this that they do it secretly , for I know that the supper was neuer better celebrated , nor more deuoutly , than when the disciples went into some secret place to flye the tyrannye of the enmies . But here ar two faults truly not to be suffered . One that they whiche doe make suche a supper & like apes do falsly and corruptly countrefet the true supper of Christe , do feine that they kepe and worshipe their masse . The other is that the minister , whiche for the moste parte is some religious man the rather to dissemble the mater , doth not that office as a christian , but as a prest of the popish profession . And in this thei suppose thei haue an honest and sure defence yf the masse saier haue not this purpose to shew the bread & wine to them to be worshipped , if he leaue out the canon wherin ar conteined many great impieties , and if he deliuer the sacrament to all that be present vnder both kinds . But when they shall come before the highest iudge then shall they fele the fruit that they sought by suche glosing and lies , yea truly they oght now already to perceaue it . For I do iudge those same goads and prickes wherwith their consciences ar prikt and wounded to be agreuous fealing of that same iudgment . And truely thys cause must be decided and plainly debated in that same place and courte , where the trueth hath her graue & true witnesses . For to be short , thei them selues do know them selues giltye of that mater whieh they haue purposed to declare bothe to godes enemies and also to the common people . But god must neds denye hym selfe , yf he allowe the order and doing of that profession . If all the men in the world with one mind and purpose wold conspire to pronounce these men ryghteous , yet none be he neuer so ready and mightye can excuse and deliuer them from thys but thei shal be thought to halt on both sides . And god doeth declare by his prophet , that no such halting of any man shal be euer allowed before him . As touching the man whom thei chose to be the minister of their supper it is a folysh thing to abuse his person , as though thei could seme to make him an apte man to that office and function . Yea but the vertue of that same sacrament say thei , resteth not in the vertue of the ministers . That I grant and adde this to also , yf any deuil shuld minister the supper , it shuld be neuer the worse . On the contrary part if an angell shulde sing masse , yet then shulde it be no whit the better . But we are nowe in another question , that is , whether orders geuen by the pope to a monk do make him apt to the office and and function do a pastour . If thei say contrary that thei perceiue , that thing doth mak nothing to the purpose , & that thei do not chose in that sort the thing it self sheweth contrarie . But let it be that thei as touching the minister haue no such respect . Yet muste I abide in that outwarde profession which thei take vpon them & worship , yea I must presse it earnestly , as a profession moste contrary & vnworthye a christen man . For this is plain and manifest that thei do and will defend and couer themselues , vnder the person of a priest made for the nonce to colour and dissemble . But if thei wolde rightly and lawfully celebrat that supper , it were their dutie so to seperat themselues from the order and profession of idolatours that thei shuld apear in that to haue nothing common with them . But now thei be so far from this separation , that thei ascribe themselues into theyr felowship and communion , & do euerye one of them feinedly professe themselues to be membres of that body . After this thei wil compare vs to the old heretiks , that did refuse the vse of the sacraments for the vices of the ministers , as though we do here respect the proper sinnes of euery man & not rather the common state & condicion . I do passe ouer this matter shortly , because that which is spoken is sufficient inough to conuince so foule & shameful impudencie . But if these men be so folish and dul witted that thei perceiue not this filthines , the word of god must suffice vs , when the lord saieth by the prophet Ieremy , Israel if thou doest turne , turne vnto me . In which words is most plainly expressed with what simplicitie & integritie of mind we oght to deale & walke before god , wythout any thought & wil to return to those things which we know are not thankful nor allowed of him . Which is a cause why S. Paul also doth testifie that he was sent to turne the vnfaithful from their vanities vnto the liuing god , as though he wold say , it is to no purpose to change some one old & accustomed euil with other hipocrises & feinings , but vtterly to abolish al superstitions , that the true religion mai be set in her own puritie & holines . For without this faith and integritie , men neuer come the right wai vnto god , but do alwais wauer & ar vncerten to what part thei may tourne themselues . There be others that ar come thus far that thei disalow and refuse the masse , but thei wold haue some patches kept still which they cal gods seruice , least as some men say , thei shuld seme to be destitute of al religion . And it may be that som of these be moued with a godly mind & zeale at the least I will so thinke , but what soeuer their zeale & purpose be , yet may we not say that thei kepe , the true rule or anye good measure . Many say we may come to their baptismes , because there is no manifest idolatrie in them . As who wold saye , that this sacrament were not also corrupted , and vtterlye deformed with al kind of corruption , in so much as Iesus christ may seme to be stil in Pilates house to suffer all opprobries & shames . To conclude , whereas thei say that this is the cause , why they wolde retaine some ceremonies , least thei shuld appeare to be voide of al religion , if one shulde examine their consciences , the same trulye will answere , that thei do it to satisfie the papists , & thei change their countenance to flie persecution . Other some do watch a time least thei come in the mass while and yet thei com to the temple , that men shoulde suppose thei here masse . Other some com but at euensong time , whom I wold know , whether thei think this to be nothing , that at that same the idols be honoured , that the pictures & images be sensed with fumigations , that a solemne praier be made in the intercession of som saint , and grounded on his merites , that Salue regina be songe with a loude voyce , and that on euery side a matter is harde so filled and replenished with deuilish & cursed blasphemie that the mind shall not onely abhorre the offence of the eares & eyes there present , but most vehemently thei thought and recordacion therof . I do passe ouer that the singing it selfe in an vnknowen tonge is manifest profanacion of gods praises & of holy scripture as S. Paule doth admonish in the .xiiii. to the Corinthes . But let this last faut be forgeuen them . If thei come to euensong to geue some signe & testimonie of their christianitie , thei wil do this chiefly on the solemne feastes . But then there shal be solemne ensensing the chifest idoles , & great plentie of swete fumigations powred out , the which is a kinde of sacrifice as the scripture teacheth . It was also a maner vsed among the gentils , and whereby thei compelled the weak men to denie god . And for this cause the greatest part of martyrs did suffer death constantly , for that they wold not make perfumes and burne incense to idoles . When these men be come thus far , that thei receaue in ther , noses the sauour of the sensours they also pollute them selues with that pollution which is most greatest and execrable ther & yet thei thinke we oght , to hide and couer this so great wyckednes and mischef . But I beseche them in the honourable & holy name of god , that they wil diligently marke this saing of the Psalme , that idoles ar so to be detested of the faithful & godly man , that they shuld not be in his mouthe or tonge , least the talke had of them shuld seme to contaminat and defile him . This one word oght to fraie and with draw vs from al congregation & feloship of idolatours , because that we liuing in that congregation may easeli be wrapped in and defiled . But to speak plainly & frely what I thinke of all these which sek amean wai betwixt god and the deuel : they haue double and variable mindes , & I can not finde out a more apt & fete comparison to set than out & paint them in their liueli colours , than that same whiche may be braught of Esau the same filthie & double man . For when he sawe his brother Iacob sent by his father Isaac in to Mesopotamia to seke a wyf , because the women of the land of Canaan dyd so much mislike the father and hys wyf Rebecca that thei thought their lyfe bitter & irksom to lyue among them & rather wisheth death , he marieth a new wif , somwhat to satisfie his parents , but he doth not put awai the old . So that he doth kep stil that euil wherof Isaac did so greuously complain , but somdeal to amend the matter , he marieth a new wife . Euen so they the are so wrapped vp in the world , that thei can in no wise folow god do mingle & tosse together many & diuers kinds of religions & supersticions , that thei mai applie & confirme themselues by some way to the wil of god , & thei alwais kepe stil som corruption , so that what soeuer thei do can not apear to be pure & sincere . I know also righ well that ther be in those places many miserable souls , which liue there in great difficulties and cares , which truly coueteth to walk rightly without hipocrisie , & yet can not louse themselues , out of many doutes & scruples , which is no meruel in so great and horrible confusion as we see at this time in the papisme . Yea I doe greatly pitie their miserable state , whiche seke meanes wherby they maye serue god deuoutly and liue amonge the enemies of faith if it may be possible by any waies . But what wil we ? I can do nothing els to the one or to the other , but declare their errour and sinne , that they them selues may adde the remedie . If thei come herafter to aske of me this or that more diligently and particularly , I will send such curiouse inquisitours to the common rule which haue of god . I speak this for that ther be some of this sort of men so importune , that yf a man shuld answer all their difficulties & doutes , he shulde seme neuer to mak an end of any thing . And me think such men may wel be compared to them who after thei be taught in a sermon to vse sobre apparel and decking of the bodye whthout all dissolute and sumptuouse trimming , they wold haue the priacher to make their hoose & sewe their shoes . Wel what must we do then ? In this matter there is a certain thing set before vs wher vnto we ought to derect and conferre our wholl minde , studie & thought . That is that the zeal of godes house mai eat vp our hart and so moue vs , that we bear and take vpon our selues , al dishonours , contumelies , and opprobries , which ar done most vnworthily against gods holy name . When such desier of gods honour , and feruent loue shall be kindled in our hartes , not like drye stubble sone set on fier & easely extinguished , but lik a fier that burneth continually , a man shall be so far from suffering or approuing these abomitiōs wher with the name of god moste shamfully & vnwortheli is polluted , that when he shall beholde them , he shal be able in in no wise to suffer dissimulation , silence and taciturnitie . And it is diligently to be marked , that he saith , the zeal of gods house , that we shuld know that to be referred , vnto the outward order which is instituted in the churche , that we shuld exercise our selues in confession of oure faith . I do not wey the mockers whych say , that I my selfe lyuing here without ane daunger , yea rather in great quietnes , doe talke goodlely of this maters . I am not he with whom these men haue any thing to do . For this is wel knowen I haue here no land of myn owne . So mai we think & sai of al these philsophers whiche geue their Iudgment without knowlege of the cause . For seinge they wil not here god , who doth now truely speak so iently to them , to teache them : I do declare the daie & iudgment , at what time being called before the iudgment seat of god , they shal hear that sentence , against the which ther shal be no answer nor defence . For seing they wil not hear him , as the best and most meke maister , they shal then know at the last , & fele him as their most seure & iust iudg . At which time the stowtest & the craftiest of them shal perceaue & know , that thei were deceaued in their opinions . Let them be so wel exercised and prepared as they wil , to obserue or subuert iustice and epuitie , yet their lawlike & iudicial ornaments , and the badges of the great dygnitie and power , wherewith thei now prowdly war insolent , shall not thyne geue them the victorie . I speake thys by causa counseilours , Iudges , proctours , aduocats , and suche othere bearinge the swing in courtes and iudgments , ar not only bold to striue with GOD , and so to contend that thei wold seme to haue gotten a certaine right to scorne & mocke his maiestie , but also reiecting al holy scripture , do spue oute their blasphemies , as the greatest sentences of the law , and most high decrees . These men whom the world doth honour as certaine idoles , so sone as thei haue spoken one word , can not suffer reason & trueth to haue any place to rest in . But yet by the way I admonish & warne them before hand , that it shal be better for than , to haue some remembrance of that same horrible vengeance , which is ordeined for them that change iustice with iniquitie , & truth , with lying . Nether the doctors & chamber maisters the delitious bāckettours & very voluptuous men , take any high degre here , than that thei may chatter in their feastes , & banquets & bable forth their wordes against the heauenvly maister , to whom trulye al men oght to geue most diligent ear . Nether can their goodli & famous titles pluk any man from this iudgement , in which the lordly & reuerent abbotes , priors , deans , archdecons , as chief maisters of the game shal be compelled to lead the daunce in that condemnation which god shal mak most greuous Now although the courtears are wont to gratifie men with the sprinkling of their holye water , let them not thinke that thei can with that kind of doing satisfie god . To conclude , al iesters & praters let them hold their tonge & bost not out their merie wittie sayinges , onles they wil fele his mightie hand , at whose word thei ought to tremble . Wherein theyr errour is to much folishe that beleueth because thei take me for their aduersary therefore thei shall not haue god to be their iudge . Let them scrape my name out of their bokes and vtterlye bloth it forth , specially in this kind of cause and question , wherein my purpose is onely that god be hard and obeyed , not that I shulde rule mens consciences after my lust , & charge them with any necessitie or lawe . As for all others which do not so proudly dispise gods word , and yet ar so delicate and weake that thei can in no wise be moued , I do most hartily besech them , that thei wil take more thoughte and regard to their own duty , saluacion , and gods honour , & do no more flatter themselues , as thei haue done hitherto . Let them therfore open their eies , and reare vp them selues that they may beholde the miserie wherein thei are .